RWE, a global leader in renewable energy, has unveiled plans to establish a specialized Fleet Servicing Team comprising 30 personnel to support its burgeoning offshore wind fleet in the UK and Germany.
This strategic initiative, initially focused on five operational projects spanning the UK and German coastlines, is poised to create new long-term employment opportunities, with potential for further expansion in alignment with RWE’s ambitious goal to triple its global offshore wind capacity from 3.3 gigawatts (GW) to 10 GW by 2030.
To facilitate the rollout of this new service, RWE has inked a three-year agreement with Global Wind Services, enlisting their expertise in deploying skilled team leads and technicians across both the UK and Germany.
The Fleet Services team will collaborate closely with RWE’s existing operations and maintenance teams to ensure seamless execution of turbine services to the highest standards. Additionally, RWE has secured an 18-month contract with Rem Offshore/Rem Purus to provide the service operation vessel ‘Rem Wind’ in support of RWE’s offshore wind fleet servicing endeavors.
Operating round-the-clock, the Fleet Services Team will reside aboard the service operation vessel for 14-day rotations, enabling RWE to deliver up to 500 services annually. These services encompass the efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of wind turbines, with crew changeovers planned at ports in both the UK and Germany.
Over the course of three years, this innovative service model is anticipated to generate 70 new positions, comprising highly skilled roles such as wind technician apprentices and graduate placements.
Thomas Michel, Chief Operating Officer of RWE Offshore Wind, emphasized the significance of these agreements, stating, “These two new contracts…are essential to deliver our Fleet Servicing concept.” Michel highlighted the transition towards a “Fleet Wide Servicing” model, underscoring benefits such as enhanced quality, health, safety, and environmental performance, as well as improved commercial availability and wind farm integrity.
Ronny Pal Kvalsvik, Chief Commercial Officer at Rem Offshore/Rem Purus, expressed pride in their continued collaboration with RWE, while Thorsten Helweg, Director of Service and Maintenance at Global Wind Service, hailed the partnership as a major milestone, poised to drive long-term success.
The UK and Germany remain pivotal in RWE’s offshore wind expansion strategy, with the company boasting a robust portfolio spanning project development, construction, and operation. RWE’s extensive experience in offshore wind, spanning over two decades, has resulted in 19 operational offshore wind farms across five European countries.
Currently, the renewable energy major is actively developing nine offshore wind projects in the UK, alongside the Nordseecluster initiative in the German North Sea, solidifying its position as a key player in the global renewable energy landscape.